December 20, 2013 - 10:57 AM
TRIPOLI, Libya - A security official in Libya says the head of military intelligence in the eastern city of Benghazi has been shot and killed.
The official says the killing of Col. Fatallah Abdel-Rahim al-Qazeri took place Friday in the eastern city of Darna, known as a stronghold of the Islamic extremist militia group Ansar al-Shariah, blamed for a series of deadly attacks.
The official said that gunmen opened fire on al-Qazeri in front of his house after he arrived from a relative's wedding. The official said al-Qazeri had been named as head of military intelligence only this month.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of fear of retribution.
Libya has witnessed a string of assassinations and bombings targeting security forces, military, and activists over the past two years.
News from © The Associated Press, 2013